The 12 Very Best Cashmere Sweaters
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A Cashmere sweater is a versatile, durable, seasonless investment that can last decades (as long as you keep the moths away). But choosing the right one can be overwhelming because you're paying a premium price for an inherently luxurious staple. Cashmere comes at a heftier price because cashmere yarn comes from the fluffy undercoat of cashmere goats, which makes for a softer and warmer fiber than sheep's wool. (Fascinatingly, cashmere goats are a type and not a breed; according to the Cashmere Goat Association, almost all goats can grow cashmere, but only selectively bred flocks produce it "in significant amounts.")
Plenty of brands are now offering more affordable options. To make sure you're not sacrificing quality for price, I tried out sweaters from some of the top budget brands in that space as well as some luxury options to see how they hold up. I mainly tested each sweater's feel, weight, and durability. (Note: I've had the sweaters for as long as a couple of months and as short as one week. I'll have updates on that last point as time goes on.) I also reached out to stylish folks to see which ones they thought are worth the cost or skimp on quality. Read on to see our picks from every price point.
In our search for the best, we're looking for sweaters with an inclusive range of sizing options.
As mentioned, the feel and weight are important when shopping for cashmere. The quality is reflected by grades: A, B, and C. Grade C is the lowest grade, measuring around 30 microns width per cashmere hair. Grade B measures around 18 to 19 microns width per cashmere hair. And Grade A, the highest, measures no more than 14 microns width per cashmere hair. (For context, the average strand of human hair is about 70 microns thick.) All that to say, the best quality cashmere is finer, resulting in the softest and most well-constructed sweaters. And though all cashmere will eventually pill, lower-quality cashmere is prone to pilling faster and more frequently. We noted the grade if that information is provided from the brand.
Most cashmere comes in classic styles — crewnecks, V-necks, and turtlenecks — and neutral colors because they're meant to be investment, long-lasting closet staples. But, should you want a more statement-making piece, there are plenty of options out there offering less traditional cuts, colorways, and patterns. Our list leans classic, but we also included some fun options we thought were worth it.
As we've mentioned, cashmere typically costs more than other natural fibers. Despite that, we've included a range of affordable options that don't sacrifice quality. We denoted the recommendations below as either $ (under $150), $$ ($150–$250), or $$$ (over $250).
Sizing: XXS to XXLQuality: Grade-AStyle and details: CrewneckPrice: $
There's a reason Naadam is a leader in the affordable cashmere space. It offers a wide selection of 100 percent cashmere fittings — including sweaters, cardigans, joggers, and even bike shorts — for a fraction of what you'd pay elsewhere. I tested the brand's most popular sweater, the Essential, which retails at just $75. Upon receiving it, I did notice very minor pills around the sleeve, but they weren't enough to cause alarm. It's soft without being mushy (an indicator of lower-quality cashmere), but it does have a slight slickness to it. The fit is as classic as it gets: a crewneck with ribbing at the neck, cuffs, and hem. I've worn the sweater twice, and it's held up well so far. The arms have stretched out ever so slightly, but that's mainly because I roll up my sleeves at least a couple of times throughout the day. Experts we spoke to also praised the brand's quality. Kate Mullin, director of brand marketing and global communications at Anine Bing, says "the quality, the color variety, and, best of all, the prices make them one of my favorite places to buy cashmere sweaters."
Sizing: XS to XLQuality: Grade-AStyle and details: CrewneckPrice: $
For an even more affordable cashmere sweater, the brand Quince (notably known for its soft sheets) offers $50 crewneck and V-neck options. As with Naadam, I tried the brand's most affordable option and have worn it twice. It has ribbing on the neck, cuffs, and hem. While the cuff ribbing on Quince's sweater is slightly shorter, they are marginally tighter and don't stretch out as much as Naadam's. It's as soft to the touch, too, but Quince's seems ever-so-slightly lighter in terms of weight. So, quality-wise, I'd say it holds up next to the best-overall option. Where it does lack, though, is sizing and color options. Quince only offers sizes XS to XL (Naadam offers XXS to XXL) and 15 colorways (versus 18 at Naadam).
Sizing: S to XLStyle and details: Oversized turtleneck, ribbed at the neck and cuffsPrice: $$$
Mullin is also a fan of Naked Cashmere's sweaters, and she's particularly "obsessed" with the brand's turtleneck. "The quality and fit are amazing, and it just feels so luxurious from the sleeves to the neck," she says. The Noelle style has a relaxed fit along the neck and body, features extra long sleeves, and is slightly cropped for a more elevated look. It comes in five neutral colors: black, white, dark gray, moss, and beige.
$295 at Naked Cashmere
Buy
Sizing: XS to XLStyle details: Crewneck with stripesPrice: $$$
After a few of her sweaters "were decimated by moths," former Strategist writer Hilary Reid bought this Kule cashmere sweater on sale. She says it's the "softest, most substantial-feeling cashmere sweater" she owns. It has an "ideal and elusive crewneck fit: It's cut comfortably close enough to wear on its own, but can still accommodate a shirt underneath without looking bulky." It comes in a wide range of classic patterns of black, white, brown, and navy stripes, as well as less-traditional patterns that feature fun multicolored stripes.
Sizing: XS to XLStyle and details: Oversized crewneck with stripesPrice: $$$
Since luxury brand La Ligne is known for its signature stripes, I tried an oversize version of the Lean Lines sweater. Out of all the sweaters I tested, this one was definitely the softest and closest to that "buttery" feel you'd expect from cashmere without being mushy or slick feeling. Because of that, it's very cozy, but it seems lightweight enough to wear through spring. It never feels stuffy, even when I wear it under my coats. It arrived without any pilling, and it hasn't pilled after two wears. As for fit, it's truly oversize (though note, I'm five-foot-one and petite) without feeling frumpy, which may be owing to its overall luxe feel.
Sizing: S to XLStyle and details: Crewneck button down cardiganPrice: $
I've had this State Cashmere button-down cardigan since February, and it's been the perfect transitional piece from winter to spring. I've worn it both on its own fully buttoned and thrown on top of tank tops or T-shirts on warmer days. Out of the box, it was incredibly soft but not mushy-feeling, and after being worn about a dozen times it hasn't pilled yet. It comes in four sizes: small to extra-large. And even though I'm typically a size extra-small, I found that the small fit me perfectly fine with a little extra room for layering. I own the undyed white colorway, and it also comes in black, gray, beige, and baby blue.
$135 at State Cashmere
Buy
Sizing: XS to XLQuality: Grade-AStyle and details: Oversized v-neck with buttonsPrice: $$
This cardigan has been my go-to sweater on WFH days when I need something to throw on to feel more put together but not stuffy. It's more lightweight than the brand's turtleneck, but I mainly love this for how soft and relaxed it is. While I've only had it for the winter, I definitely see it transitioning into my spring wardrobe seamlessly. I've worn it out under my puffer and I'm never left sweating after fast-walking to catch a subway (something I typically face while wearing other thicker sweaters). As with the turtleneck, I've yet to see pilling after multiple wears. The cuffs are the only real fitted part of the sweater, and they hold their elasticity well.
Sizing: XL to 3XLStyle and details: Ribbed crewneckPrice: $$
Lands' End's plus-size cardigan comes in sizes XL to 3XL. "After seeing some of my favorite straight-size influencers in cardigans, I went on the hunt for a plus-size version," says Lauren Chan, founder of clothing brand Henning, and this Lands' End cardigan checked all the boxes for her. She calls it "classic" and "simple," and it "pairs super-well with either light-wash jeans or gray sweats — win-win," she adds. Even better, it comes in five colors.
$180 at Lands' End
Buy
with code: KEEL
Sizing: One sizeStyle and details: ShawlPrice: $$
Strategist contributor Diksha Basu first put this oversize J.Crew wrap on our radar last December. Unlike the other dozens of shawls she's tried, this one is both durable and stylish. "I have spilled hand sanitizer on it, my kids have touched it with fingers sticky with apple juice, Goldfish crumbs have adorned it," she says. "I just wipe things off with an unscented baby wipe and the shawl looks good as new." The piece transforms "harried morning school drop-offs" and chilly outdoor-dining outfits "from shabby to chic with my favorite amount of effort, both for what I put on and for maintaining its condition: almost zero." As for its feel, it's "soft and light, almost like muslin, but in a way that seems like magic, it's not flimsy at all." Maguy Le Coze, co-owner of Le Bernardin, is also a fan because its roomy oversized fit means she can "wrap it around my shoulders and cover my upper arms."
Sizing: XS to XLQuality: Grade-AStyle and details: Open collar with no buttonsPrice: $
In addition to the crewneck, I also tested Quince's polo sweater. It has the same lightweight and buttery softness, just with a different cut. I've had this sweater longer — about four months now — so I've been able to wear it more than the crewneck. I found myself reaching for it through this past fall, even on those unusually warm days, because it's breezy and a somewhat less conventional cut. After a couple dozen or so wears it has pilled very slightly around the arms. But it's such a good price that I think it's still worth it. Like the brand's crewneck, this sweater is available in sizes XS to XL but in just five colorways: ivory, navy, camel, black, and heather gray.
Sizing: XXS to XXLStyle and details: Crewneck with checkered pattern designPrice: $$$
Two experts we spoke to called out Leret Leret because it offers sweaters with a range of patterns. "They design really playful cashmere sweaters with fun prints if you're looking for something a bit more unique than a classic cashmere sweater that is still high-quality," says stylist Savannah White. Nicole Berrie, founder of Bonberi and author of Body Harmony, also likes its "quirky" designs. "It's the best gift for someone who values quality and that 'It' factor," she says.
Sizing: XS to XLStyle and details: Crewneck, color-blocked designPrice: $$$
Megababe's founder Katie Sturino turns to Garin for her cashmere sweaters because it offers a mix of everyday neutrals as well as colorful patterns. Her personal go-tos are its fun designs, like this crewneck with space details. It's worth noting that the sweater isn't the cheapest on the list, but design-y cashmere tends to run into the hundreds of dollars and this happens to be on the lower end, making it a solid mid-priced option. "I'm also a huge fan of the brand for their commitment to sustainability," Sturino adds. "Each sweater is animal- and ecofriendly and 100 percent biodegradable."
• Lilli Millhiser, stylist• Mina Alyeshmerni, owner of online boutique Maimoun• Kate Mullin, director of brand marketing and global communications at Anine Bing• Maxine Builder, Strategist editor• Titilola Sogunro, fashion blogger at Titi's Passion• Chloe Anello, former Strategist writer• Diksha Basu, Strategist contributor• Maguy Le Coze, co-owner of Le Bernardin• Dominique Porter, founder of sleepwear line the Glad Hours• Sabine Le Guyader, co-founder of Lady Grey Jewelry• Torie Tilley, founder of jewelry brand Common Era• Hilary Reid, former Strategist writer• Dominique Pariso, Strategist writer• Lauren Chan, founder of clothing brand Henning• Sonia Beyda Mosseri, founder and designer of NYC-based brand Still Here• Savannah White, stylist• Nicole Berrie, founder of Bonberi and author of Body Harmony• Katie Sturino, founder of Megababe
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